U.S. Government Controls 10% of Intel – Trump Claims

U.S. Government Controls 10% of Intel – Trump Claims

August 23, 2025 Lisa Park - Tech Editor Tech

Trump Announces U.S. Government Stake in Intel, Sparks Debate

Former President Donald trump announced on friday that the United States government now holds a 10% equity stake in intel, the semiconductor giant. The move, stemming from the conversion of $10.86 billion in grants from the Biden-era CHIPS Act into equity, has ignited a flurry of reactions and questions about government influence in the private sector.

“The United States is now a major shareholder in Intel. These shares were given to the Company. The United States paid nothing for these Shares, and the Shares are now valued at approximately $11 Billion Dollars,” Trump continued. “This is a great Deal for America and, also, a great Deal for INTEL. Building leading edge Semiconductors and Chips,which is what INTEL does,is fundamental to the future of our Nation,” according to Trump. The president ended his post with the now-customary,”MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” and “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Lutnick’s denials on Tuesday

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced questions about the government’s potential stake in Intel during a CNBC interview on Tuesday. Lutnick was pressed on whether the government would gain a governance role at Intel, a prospect he repeatedly dismissed.

“Do you get governance here?” CNBC host David Faber asked.

“No, no, no, no, no…” Lutnick responded, characterizing the idea as absurd. “Come on, stop that stuff. it’s not governance, right, we’re just what was a grant under Biden into equity for the Trump administration, for the American people.”

Faber pointed out that a 10% ownership typically warrants a say in company management. Lutnick interrupted, repeatedly stating “non-voting, non-voting.” Faber noted the U.S. government secured a “golden share” in the proposed Nippon Steel acquisition of U.S. Steel, potentially granting Trump veto power over corporate decisions. The extent of Trump’s influence with Intel’s new 10% stake remains unclear.

Who actually negotiated the deal?

Lutnick initially announced the news on social media shortly before Trump, though his proclamation carries less weight given the current political climate.

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